Abstract: Natural Disasters have been on the increase in the recent times and Asia – Pacific region is one of the worst affected regions in the globe. Since early 1990s, the United Nations (UN) has been advocating for policies and measures to reduce risks through space-based applications (unoosa.org). Focus has also been on the use of advanced technologies and pre-disaster data processing for better preparedness to manage disasters. One of the important aspects of such initiatives has been to optimally use remote sensing data for disaster preparedness, particularly for specific areas of coverage over Asia & Pacific region with multiple satellite images across different seasons. This assumes specific importance for the region, as use of such satellite data opens new possibilities to empower the affected areas in the region to be better prepared for the disasters. It is also important to address another important aspect related to disaster hotspots and their impacts in the region. Imaging from space and choice of sensors is another aspect that need to be considered when a large area/ region is being addressed. Further, based on the pre-analysis of historical data on disasters, it is also important to identify disaster-hotspots.
One of the smart ways to have optimal coverage of such a large region is to set up a Virtual Satellite Constellation (VSC) with a focus on disaster risk management. The initiative could enable access to a good number of satellite images to facilitate improved disaster management strategies. Setting up a VSC enables a mechanism by which one need to be working with several space data providers, who have necessary capacity on their satellite, to provide required images over the region. With multiple such operators providing data over the region, it is possible for the various countries in the region to use these data sets, through a cloud-based system and a customized Dashboard, to derive vital value-added products that shall help in making preparation to face an impending disaster. Setting up a VSC calls for availability of multiple satellites for providing image data, as part of a sustained operations, based on acquisition modes & downloads, antenna systems, upload and download of data onto Cloud platform, Customized Web Geoportal configuration catering to regional requirements, data processing tools, capacity building and ultimately effective use of these products and services for disaster preparedness. An attempt is made, through a presentation on the topic, to consider an optimal set up for realizing a VSC in the region to deal with better disaster preparedness. The key factor being the optimal coverage of the area of interest from several remote sensing satellites, particularly the hotspots.
About the speaker: Prof. P G Diwakar holds the position of “ISRO Chair Professor” at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) and works on research projects related to space technology, particularly related to data processing from Earth Observation Satellites and Geospatial Technologies.
Prior to joining NIAS, he served for over three decades at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and held several senior level positions and was responsible for developing many diverse applications of space technology to help the nation in its developmental activities.
Diwakar was awarded his PhD in “Participatory GIS: Participator Geomatics in process-based watershed development” from the National Institute of Technology (NITK), Surathkal, Karnataka and has significantly contributed in the area of geospatial technology and its use in wide variety of applications. He has extensively worked in the use of remote sensing and geospatial technology to bring about many applications of space technologies that are popularly being used in the country today. While he has contributed in many application areas of national importance, related to Land, Water, and Ocean, he was also responsible for a major WebGIS initiative in the country, such as, setting up of “Bhuvan Geoportal” for online geospatial services on natural resources management.
During his career in ISRO he has held many key positions, such as, Head-Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre, Bengaluru, Deputy Director, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Director of Earth Observation System & Disaster Management Support Programme, and many others. He retired as Scientific Secretary, ISRO. Apart from this, he has also held key positions in representing ISRO in many international forums, to name a few, Committee of Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), Board member in International Charter “Space & Major Disasters”, Principle point of contact for UN-ESCAP.